Statement on Signing the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026

This action, officially the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, authorizes funding for several federal departments including the Department of War, the Department of Energy, and various agencies like Homeland Security and Intelligence. The Act aims to support the President’s “Peace Through Strength” agenda by strengthening national defense, protecting against both domestic and foreign threats, and bolstering the nation’s industrial base. It also incorporates over a dozen executive orders related to improving warfighter capabilities, enhancing missile defense, and restoring airspace sovereignty.

Specifically, the Act includes a new law called the SAFER SKIES Act that gives state and local law enforcement agencies the ability to regulate and restrict unmanned aircraft when they pose a threat to public safety, creating a new felony offense for repeat violations of national defense airspace. Furthermore, the Act provides resources to enhance security along the southern border by addressing illegal immigration and transnational criminal activity.

The President has expressed concerns about certain provisions within the Act, arguing that they could infringe upon his constitutional authority as Commander-in-Chief and in conducting foreign affairs. He intends to treat these sections consistent with his powers, including withholding information that could compromise national security or foreign relations and limiting Congress’s ability to dictate the President's decisions in military and foreign affairs.

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